Preserving research data in an optimal and technically correct way is absolutely vital to ensure that your research data is safe and secure. When storing data, you need to always consider the effect of loss of the data to the study, and to anyone involved in the study. Early in your research project, you need to plan a way to minimize the effects of the loss or destruction of data.

There are many storage solutions to choose from but choosing the right one for you depends on the sensitivity, amount, and collaborative accessibility of your research data. Before choosing a solution it is important to ask yourself a few questions about the nature of your data.

• Estimate how much storage space you will need
• Determine who will need access
• What type of access will each team member need?
• Does the data need to be backed up?
• How they will access the data?
  • Does the data need to be accessible to your SFU desktop?
  • Are there existing workflows that need to be accounted for?

These are only a few questions that you’ll need to understand in order to make an informed decision about where to store your data and it’s a great way to start a conversation with our team to determine the best way to come up with a solution that meets the needs of your research.

As a matter of reference, the Research Computing Group provides a standard storage offering that covers most general purpose needs. The storage is charged yearly and per GB, usually in 1TB chunks, at a cost of $266.24 per year and includes backup to tape.

If you feel that your storage needs can not be met by the default storage offering please contact us with any questions, comments or concerns at research-support@sfu.ca